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Monday, April 1, 2013

Show Off Your Writing Space - New Contest!

by Stephanie Morrill
As I so subtly hinted at last Friday, we have a new contest opening up today - Jill and I want to see your writing spaces! Before you start groaning that your spot isn't exactly Pin worthy, we're not necessarily searching for the loveliest space. Though lovely is always nice, of course, we also might pick a winner based on how creative, unique, crazy, or desperate a writing space is.

While I have a very nice office now, my first office was this:

That's my lap desk from 1989. I used to sit on my bed with it and write when I was seven and my stories mostly revolved around horses and marrying Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block.

These are still marked up from holding crayons. And it was a pleasant surprise to find a couple of my favorite pens in there.

I used to keep my stories and extra paper in here. One time when I got in trouble, my punishment was that Mom and Dad took away my lap desk for a very long time.

Okay, it was probably just a day or two. But, man, it felt long.

Whatever your writing space looks like, we'd love to see it and hear why it works for you! Here's how this contest will work:

1. Between now and Friday, April 5th, you can email me (Stephanie@GoTeenWriters.com) one or two pictures of your writing space. You can include a sentence or two explanation if you like.

2. Include your name as you would want it to appear on the website.

3. Throughout the week, Jill and I will be posting a few of the pictures that have caught our eye. If you don't want us posting pictures of your writing space...don't send them to us. By sending them to us, you're agreeing that it's cool if we display them on the site.

4. Jill and I will announce the winners after the contest has closed and we've reviewed all the entries. The winners will receive a copy of Go Teen Writers: How to Turn Your First Draft Into a Published Book or, if you already have it, you can have your pick of our novels.

And speaking of our novels...

Tomorrow is release day for Jill Williamson. Congratulations, Jill! I've been wanting to read the official version of Captivesfor a looong time now. I've already ordered my copy, plus an extra to giveaway on the blog, so you'll have a chance to win it here in the next couple weeks.

And today, Playlist Young Adult Fiction, my publisher for The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet, launches their first three titles. Check out the website, and if any of the titles look interesting to you, consider signing up for their book updates list, because they give away new releases every time they come out, and they have at least six titles releasing in the next few months. You'll have chances to win not just my books, but books from other authors you've seen on here, like Laura L. Smith and Laura Anderson Kurk, plus Jennifer Murgia and Rajdeep Paulus, who are wonderful.

15 comments:

Cool, I'm excited. What if I don't have a certain place where I write? I used to use a desk, but now I use couches and a laptop in various areas, so should I just pick one?Also, that's awesome that Captives is releasing today. It sounds like just the kind of book I'd really like.

Me too. I'm only having a goal of 20,000, though, because I'm using it to finish my WIP. Therefore, I am almost at the climax. I'm really excited as well. Now if only I would sit down and start writing .... I plan to write at least 2000 today. We'll see.Katia

This comment does not really have anything to do with my writing space (although I think this is such a fun idea you guys are doing), but I just joined this blog a few days ago and wanted to say hello.

Although, sadly, I am not exactly a "teen" anymore (almost 21), I am one of those curious people who spends most of her days hidden behind a computer screen tapping wildly away at the keyboard at the demands of fictional characters, I mean...ahem, a writer. ;) And it is my greatest aspiration to be published one day. In just a few days I have already found invaluable information and tricks on this beautiful blog. I just wanted to thank you both for taking your time to make such a wonderful place to help encourage us young writers and share your experience in the writing world. I've learned in the scary and exciting world of writing, one needs encouragement.

Mrs. Morrill, just a few days ago I downloaded "Me, Just Different" and read it in a single day because I couldn't put it down and now I'm very much hoping to get my hands on the second book. I loved the way you told your story and have completely fallen in love with all your characters!

Mrs. Williamson, yesterday I ordered "By Darkness Hid" and now have this urge to be one of those people who hover around the mailbox, awaiting packages. I've wanted to read this trilogy for the longest and absolutely cannot way to acquire the first book! Fantasy is my passion.

Anyways, before I write an entire novel here, I'll stop, I promise. I just wanted to thank you both for this wonderful place. I know it's going to be a huge tool in helping me with the grand adventure of writing.

I will definitely be entering this contest! Thanks for having:) I have a question... I have two novels that I really want to write both of and I am not sure which one to do. One will be the start to a series and the other will be a stand-alone novel. I am not sure if you have previously addressed this issue; if so please give me the link. If not I would love to have it answered soon, though I am well aware you are quite busy so please do not feel rushed. I hope this didn't come across as rude to you..., hope you don't mind;]

I love reading everyone else's stories! Such inspiration. Just decided to start writing my own novel (or at least attempt to!) Feel free to read the Introduction! http://authspot.com/thoughts/i... Any help and ideas to make my first drafts better is welcomed! Will be putting them up chapter by chapter so hopefully I'll get some good criticism to make me a better writer :)